I work as a clerical assistant in a pediatric dental office, and I am commonly surprised by the number of children who are scared of the dentist. Many kids think that cleanings will be painful, and they believe they will be scolded for eating sugary foods. Children are also extremely frightful of the noises made by the water spraying tools and the suction devices. As adults, we know that dental cleanings are easy and free of pain. We need to impart this knowledge to our children so they know not to fear the dentist. I have provided blogs that will help you speak with your child about dental care. Good communication, trips to your own dentist, and online videos can assist you. So will good brushing techniques that will make your child proud to see the dentist. Enjoy my articles so you can help your child build oral care confidence.

Teaching Your Children About the Dentist

The Low-Down On Gum Disease

31 January 2015

Alfred Kelley

More than half of patients seen in dentist offices across the country are diagnosed with gum disease; others that don't routinely see a dental provider may likely exhibit signs of this condition. Gum disease is no laughing matter. Although the symptoms may seem benign, gum disease can exacerbate and result in some deadly medical conditions.

Some of the signs and symptoms of gum disease include:

Bad breath.

Anyone can experience bouts of bad breath, but when tartar builds up along your gum line in the mouth, you can notice chronic issues regarding your breath. This is an early sign of gum disease and is the most effective time to reach out to your dental provider. They can remove tartar and suggest ways to keep tartar from turning to plaque for their patients.

Sore, swollen gums.

Another sign of gum disease is sore and swollen gums. The gums may appear red and inflamed, and some individuals may see a dark border around their teeth along the gum-line, which is a sign of advanced gum disease. This darkened area is the hardened, hazardous plaque, which must be removed by a dentist or hygienist using specialized tools.

Blood on your brush.

If you notice blood on your toothbrush or dental floss, this could also be indicative of gum disease. Continue to floss or brush as you normally would and typically the pain, sensitivity, and blood will ease as you get rid of the plaque-causing tartar that builds up between teeth and along the gum-line.

Pain when you floss.

One of the biggest reasons that people neglect to floss their teeth daily is the discomfort that they experience when doing so. Again, this is something that regular, vigilant flossing will resolve as oral care improves. This is also something that you should point-out to your dental provider at your next check-up.

Serious health risks.

Gum disease can lead to tooth loss as the plaque destroys and kills your teeth. There may be pain in your jaw or mouth when the condition is advanced. Plaque also has been seen to break-away from the gums, and travel through the bloodstream; once in the blood, plaque can block major arteries causing heart attack or stroke.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, or if it has been more than six months since your last dental examination, make an appointment with your provider. Dentists can scale away the tartar and plaque from teeth, which is what causes gum disease. Vigilant brushing, daily flossing, and regular dental check-ups are the best way to prevent this dental condition. You can also get more information from places like Advanced Laser Gum Surgery Institute of Washington DC.